8th September 2025
Correspondence confirms that the late Mr Parnell, a father from Stockport whose treatment by local authorities has long raised questions, was never a criminal.
In an email exchange between Greater Manchester Police Inspector Alan Citherow and campaigner Sheila Oliver, dated October 2013, the officer makes clear that “Mr Parnell is not a criminal and our records clearly show the details of his arrests and the public records show he was not convicted.”
The letter, seen by the Romiley Gazette, followed a Freedom of Information request about the case. Inspector Citherow acknowledged that while he had only been involved since mid-2012, he believed the matter required “resolution” and offered to meet to discuss what had happened.
Sheila Oliver, a well-known Stockport resident who had long supported Mr Parnell, replied that she would accept the offer of a meeting but only if it led to concrete answers. She highlighted the seriousness of what had taken place, raising Mr Parnell’s suicide attempt in a police cell and asking what steps had been taken to address his distress at the time.
The exchange also shows that campaigners believed parts of the case should be addressed not only by the police but also by Stockport Council.
Mr Parnell’s story has been the subject of continuing concern locally. Despite repeated arrests, court records and police documents later confirmed he had no criminal convictions. Supporters argue his ordeal left him deeply vulnerable and in need of proper care.
Campaigners have also voiced frustration that, when they attempted to raise the matter more widely, their concerns appeared to fall on deaf ears. Messages sent to party-linked platforms such as Liberal Democrat Voice were reportedly left unanswered, leaving some with the impression that doors were being closed to further discussion.
